Clacton secured a hard-earned draw at Horsford in the East Anglian Premier League.

In cold, damp conditions, Seasiders skipper Martin Smith won the toss and asked the home side to bat first.

Namibian Craig Williams opened the bowling with Smith, as the visitors were without two of their key bowlers.

Ian Morton was unavailable and young Essex academy player Michael Comber struggling with a reoccurrence of his back problem that stopped him from bowling most of last season.

Williams struck first, removing Heyburn cheaply, and another young academy player, Mickleburgh, soon followed, caught well in the slips by Maroof Khan off Nuno Bernardes.

However, from 39 for two, Horsford then made light of the difficult conditions, with Perry Warnes (91) and Wild (71) putting on 142 for the third wicket.

Clacton bowlers kept their discipline but were let down by some very poor fielding, which allowed Horsford to really increase the run rate and put the away side under pressure.

Smith and Williams returned to the attack, both taking three wickets, but the damage had been done with Horsford setting a commanding 233 for eight from their full 66 overs.

With an ever-drying pitch and two excellent spin bowlers, Clacton were made to struggle.

Early wickets fell and, with men all round the bat, their batsmen had to be at their very best to salvage a draw.

It was important to spend time at the crease and Martyn Cull (24), Williams (36) and Khan (20) all did just that.

However, every time Clacton started to look conformable they lost a wicket - therefore putting increasing pressure on the lower order players.

In years gone by, Clacton would have lost this game but it is a testament to the quality of the side and their fighting spirit and determination that, despite all that came before them, they salvaged a very good draw.

All the lower-order players battling out the alloted overs, with young wicket-keeper David Sergeant playing excellently.

Horsford ended up with 15 points and Clacton seven.

The result could have been so much worse but the positives were clear.

Most batters played their part and, if the catches had been held, they may even have won.

On Saturday, Clacton have another long journey travelling to Godmanchester.